Michael Vick endorses anti-dogfighting legislation he inspired
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - NFL quarterback Michael Vick watched the violent cockfight -- a variation of the illegal animal fighting that led to his arrest, jail time, and fall from football fame -- with his hands folded in his lap.
Vick, two U.S. representatives and national Humane Society president and CEO Wayne Pacelle grimly viewed the footage of a child watching two cocks tear at each other in a House Judiciary Committee room on Tuesday.
The Philadelphia Eagles player was there to endorse an anti-animal fighting bill inspired, in part, by his own high-profile conviction in 2007 for running a kennel of fighting dogs.
"In prison I told myself I want to be part of the solution, not the problem," Vick said. "These laws are not to punish people, but prevent people from getting involved."
The "Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act of 2011" would strengthen penalties for those who finance animal fighting and close gaps in the law to cover those who attend or bring children to illegal cockfights and dogfights.
The provisions on bringing children could prevent them from going down a path Vick says he took.
H.R.2492, introduced July 11 by Ohio Democrat Rep. Betty Sutton and Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Tom Marino, is the latest in a series of bills tightening laws against animal fighting in the aftermath of Vick's conviction in 2007.
In 2008, Congress made possession and training of fighting animals a felony.
The latest bill would legislate misdemeanor penalties of fines and up to one year in prison for being a knowing spectator and felony penalties of heavier fines and up to three years in prison for making a minor attend a fight.
'HORRIBLE PRACTICE'
"Today we take another step in ending the horrible practice of animal fighting," Sutton said. "Not only as Democrats and Republicans, but as pet owners."
Democratic Representative Jim Moran of Virginia referenced his own football background in commending Vick's support.
"On the field, your leader is the quarterback," said Moran. "We now have a leader. This is a story of redemption."
Moran chairs the 85-member Congressional Animal Protection Caucus.
After police raided Vick's property in Virginia in connection with an illegal dog-fighting ring in 2007, the NFL suspended Vick, once its highest-paid player.
He pleaded guilty to federal dog fighting charges and served 19 months in prison until 2009, when he returned to the NFL, joining the Philadelphia Eagles.
Vick was named NFL "Comeback Player of the Year" in 2011. On July 1 Nike Inc re-signed him after terminating its contract in 2007. "We support the positive changes he has made to better himself off the field," the company said.
The Humane Society initially expressed reservations about working with Vick, according to Society chief Pacelle.
"I had a lot of soul searching to do before talking to Mike," said Pacelle.
Vick says he witnessed animal fighting growing up.
"That child could be doing so much more with his life," he said of watching the cockfight footage.
Organized animal fighting is a federal crime and illegal in all 50 states, according to the Human Society. In 49 states it is also illegal to be a knowing spectator at an animal fight, but in only 28 states is watching a felony.
Asked how long he expected to be involved in the issue, Vick said: "Until we have a positive impact going for kids all around the world and we can put an end to it all."
To be honest, I was worried that Mike was falling back into his old ways. However I'm starting to think that he's actually changed. This is a really good piece of legislation...
I hear nothing but him to positive things in the community on the local news about him being a spokes person for animla rights and talking to youth and being a good role model. Now it's even on the national news, he's stepping up and doing the right thing and making changes. Good for him, now he just has to kiss the Lombardi Trophy B-)
I hear nothing but him to positive things in the community on the local news about him being a spokes person for animla rights and talking to youth and being a good role model. Now it's even on the national news, he's stepping up and doing the right thing and making changes. Good for him, now he just has to kiss the Lombardi Trophy B-)
I honestly haven't said this about the Eagles since the year the Rams won the Superbowl, but I think this is the year. Mike's gonna have a special year in his second full year in Phillys system...
the only reason Vick did that was to help repair his image, he doesn't actually care about the animals. the only thing he regrets is getting caught and would do it again in a second if he could get away with it. anyone with the ability to brutalize animals in that capacity never changes. smart publicity stunt though but in no way is he a changed man.
all i'm saying is he realized how bad he fucked up, but not that hes sorry for doing it, hes only sorry he got caught. he got a second chance in the NFL and he knows damn well there will be no 3rd chance so hes doing everything he can to repair his image. i would too if i had millions on the line but hes not a changed man, hes a just man trying to keep his job.
Comments
If I get a Vick jersey and post a picture of me wearing it, will I get banned? :-?
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - NFL quarterback Michael Vick watched the violent cockfight -- a variation of the illegal animal fighting that led to his arrest, jail time, and fall from football fame -- with his hands folded in his lap.
Vick, two U.S. representatives and national Humane Society president and CEO Wayne Pacelle grimly viewed the footage of a child watching two cocks tear at each other in a House Judiciary Committee room on Tuesday.
The Philadelphia Eagles player was there to endorse an anti-animal fighting bill inspired, in part, by his own high-profile conviction in 2007 for running a kennel of fighting dogs.
"In prison I told myself I want to be part of the solution, not the problem," Vick said. "These laws are not to punish people, but prevent people from getting involved."
The "Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act of 2011" would strengthen penalties for those who finance animal fighting and close gaps in the law to cover those who attend or bring children to illegal cockfights and dogfights.
The provisions on bringing children could prevent them from going down a path Vick says he took.
H.R.2492, introduced July 11 by Ohio Democrat Rep. Betty Sutton and Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Tom Marino, is the latest in a series of bills tightening laws against animal fighting in the aftermath of Vick's conviction in 2007.
In 2008, Congress made possession and training of fighting animals a felony.
The latest bill would legislate misdemeanor penalties of fines and up to one year in prison for being a knowing spectator and felony penalties of heavier fines and up to three years in prison for making a minor attend a fight.
'HORRIBLE PRACTICE'
"Today we take another step in ending the horrible practice of animal fighting," Sutton said. "Not only as Democrats and Republicans, but as pet owners."
Democratic Representative Jim Moran of Virginia referenced his own football background in commending Vick's support.
"On the field, your leader is the quarterback," said Moran. "We now have a leader. This is a story of redemption."
Moran chairs the 85-member Congressional Animal Protection Caucus.
After police raided Vick's property in Virginia in connection with an illegal dog-fighting ring in 2007, the NFL suspended Vick, once its highest-paid player.
He pleaded guilty to federal dog fighting charges and served 19 months in prison until 2009, when he returned to the NFL, joining the Philadelphia Eagles.
Vick was named NFL "Comeback Player of the Year" in 2011. On July 1 Nike Inc re-signed him after terminating its contract in 2007. "We support the positive changes he has made to better himself off the field," the company said.
The Humane Society initially expressed reservations about working with Vick, according to Society chief Pacelle.
"I had a lot of soul searching to do before talking to Mike," said Pacelle.
Vick says he witnessed animal fighting growing up.
"That child could be doing so much more with his life," he said of watching the cockfight footage.
Organized animal fighting is a federal crime and illegal in all 50 states, according to the Human Society. In 49 states it is also illegal to be a knowing spectator at an animal fight, but in only 28 states is watching a felony.
Asked how long he expected to be involved in the issue, Vick said: "Until we have a positive impact going for kids all around the world and we can put an end to it all."